Bryce Pickford scores hat-trick in Medicine Hat
Bryce Pickford scored his third hat-trick of the season on March 5, 2026, leading the Medicine Hat Tigers to a 6-3 victory over the Brandon Wheat Kings. With this performance, Pickford has now accumulated 41 goals in just 49 games this season.
In the game against Brandon, Pickford showcased his scoring prowess by finding the back of the net three times on eight shots. This achievement marks his sixth consecutive game with a goal, further solidifying his status as one of the top offensive defensemen in the league.
Since returning from injury, Pickford has been on fire, scoring eight goals in the last seven games. His impressive tally puts him just two goals shy of the record for most goals by a CHL defenseman since 2000, a record held by Marc-André Bergeron at 42 goals.
Observers note that no defenseman has ever led the WHL in goals over a full season, but Pickford has a legitimate chance to change that narrative. “If one guy could hit the 50-goal mark in the WHL this season, it would have to be the unstoppable Pickford, who just can’t be stopped right now,” commented a league analyst.
Pickford’s remarkable season has not gone unnoticed, as he earned his entry-level deal with the Montreal Canadiens in December 2025. This contract positions him to potentially contribute to the AHL Laval in the upcoming 2026-27 season.
With 76 points in 49 appearances this season, Pickford trails only Cameron Schmidt in WHL scoring, who has 43 goals. His performance has drawn comparisons to some of the best seasons in junior hockey history.
As the season progresses, Pickford’s pursuit of the record for most goals in a season by a CHL defenseman, which is 50 set by Lawrence Sacharuk in the 1971-72 season, remains a focal point for fans and analysts alike.
“Pickford’s 2025-26 season with the Medicine Hat Tigers will go down in the history books as one of the greatest seasons that a defenseman has ever had,” noted another expert, highlighting the significance of his achievements.
With only a few games left in the season, all eyes will be on Pickford as he attempts to reach the 50-goal milestone and potentially make history in the WHL.
